How gambling works

Ever wonder how the games you play online really work? It's smart to learn as much as possible about each game, like what the odds are of winning and losing. The more you know, the better decisions you'll make and the more fun you'll have.

Odds

'Odds' is the term used to describe the chance or likelihood of something happening or not happening. In terms of gambling, 'odds' represents the chance that a person has of placing a winning bet. For casinos, online gambling sites and lottery betting games, the odds are always against the player, meaning that over time, the House always 'wins'.

Probability

The probability of an event is the number of ways the event can occur, divided by the total number of possible outcomes. For example the probability of selecting the Queen of Clubs out of a deck of cards is 1 out of 52, and the probability of selecting any spade card is 1 out of 4 (13 out of 52).Probability allows us to predict how often an event will occur, but does not allow us to predict when exactly the event will occur (randomness). Probability is useful in decision making as it can help you understand what is likely to happen, and can help you to decide if the game is worth spending the money required to play.

Randomness

Randomness in gambling is based on unpredictability and chance. By shuffling a deck of cards or placing a ball on a spinning roulette wheel, casinos are able to create a random (unpredictable) outcome that makes it difficult (if not impossible) for a gambler to accurately predict. Historically, gamblers have formulated strategies and systems to help them predict outcomes of random games. They don't work. Randomness is never influenced by past patterns or events.

Hit Frequency

Hit frequency is defined as how often a slot machine will have a winning outcome and is usually given a percentage. A hit frequency of 10% means that in the long run, a machine will stop on a winning combination about 10% of the time. Large variations exist between the hit frequencies of slots - it may range between 3% and 40%. Machines with smaller hit frequencies tend to offer larger jackpot opportunities. Machines that offer multiple lines on each spin may give the illusion that a player is winning more often, but in reality, the losing combinations will far outnumber the winning ones.

Chance Based vs. Skill Based Games

Gambling is based on the concept of 'chance' meaning that the outcome is completely random and that there is little to nothing a player can do to improve their ability to win. In fact, most games and forms of gambling fall under this category.

For example, the game of Roulette is based purely on chance. There is nothing a player can do to become better at winning and there is no way for a player to know where the ball will land. Sometimes you might win, while other times you might lose.

In skill based games like poker, blackjack and sports betting, players have the ability to make decisions that can affect the outcome of the game. For example, knowing player and team stats may put you at an advantage when you make your decision on which team will win or lose. However, the outcome is still random and anything can happen in the game, which keeps a significant level of chance in the game.

Gambling Myths

Good luck charms, "hot" machines, lucky numbers - it seems like for as long as people have been gambling, there have been myths to go along with it. That's why PlayNow is here to help debunk the popular misconceptions and help people understand how gambling really works. Myths about gambling may cause you to make unhealthy decisions when you play.

How the Games Work

Wonder if knowing your odds of winning affects your odds of having a good time? It doesn't. Knowing how the games work makes for better decisions and more fun. When playing online it's easy to find out the rules of the game, the odds of winning and the expected payback.

Click "More Info" for information on how the game works, what the odds are and/or return to player

For more information about how games work including brochures translated in French, Chinese, Punjabi, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese, click here.

Safe & Secure

PlayNow.com delivers a safe and secure online gaming experience. We are committed to player protection and game integrity. You must be 19 years of age or older to play.

Bingo

We value your feedback and we want to ensure that we are providing our users with a great experience during their visit to PlayNow.com. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and let us know how we're doing.

BCLC takes problem gambling seriously. If you have enrolled in BCLC's Voluntary Self-Exclusion program please refrain from taking this survey.

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-463-1554. To learn more about the VSE program and for information about responsible gambling, visit GameSense.ca.

What is GameSense?

GameSense reinforces our focus on keeping it fun. GameSense involves learning how the games work and the odds of winning and losing. Using your GameSense means balancing the fun part of gambling with the need to stay in control and within your boundaries.

Set a budget

Do you have trouble sticking to a budget when you play? It's time to review your weekly deposit limit.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion

If gambling no longer feels like a game, the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program can help. Learn more.